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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Verbena Fire and Rescue is taking the first steps to constructing a new fire station.

Chief Jonathan Cagle said the plan would be for this new station to be the main location that the department responds from.

A groundbreaking was celebrated on Aug. 29, but just when construction will be completed is unknown.

Having a new station to better serve the community was a dream for former Chief Allen Goree before he passed away last year.

Prior to his death, Goree had secured a donation of land on Highway 22 near its intersection with County Road 59.

Cagle said the spot is “still a centralized location” for the area the station serves.

Plans for the new site also include a training facility, he said.

An official set of plans is being worked on, and Cagle said the bid process for finding a company to construct the new station should begin in January.

He said the department is “hoping to have that station up and running before the end of next year.”

Fundraising for the project has already begun, but Cagle said next year will be a big fundraising year.

“We wouldn’t make it without our community being supportive,” Cagle said.

Verbena Fire and Rescue will also be looking into grants it can apply for and anticipates needing to borrow a portion of the funding needed.

“I have been a member (of the department) since 2006, and I have seen a lot of growth,” Cagle said. “It is good to be able to give the community a new shiny building.”

He said he hopes the new location also encourages more community members to become volunteers.

How the original station building will be used is still being discussed.

Long-term goals for the department include establishing a fire station closer to Interstate 65, Exit 200. This would give the department two stations to serve each end of its coverage area.

This 100% volunteer fire department has 23 members but is always looking for more volunteers.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or donating to the project can contact the department through the Verbena Chilton Facebook page or calling Cagle at 334-235-3998.